Dear friends,
We’re writing to you with lots of exciting news from beautiful Ninigori.
At the beginning of February, our work on the land and community building picked up speed again, and with the first sunny days, a breath of fresh air and renewed enthusiasm returned in our spirit. We used this drive to prepare the gardens for the coming year.
The core of this work was tree pruning, which we turned into a small community event. Over two weekends, we prepared all the hazelnut trees and the fruit forest for the coming season. Some areas of the land also had to be cleaned and maintained due to residues left by winter weather. We were also able to plant new trees in a space where we plan to expand the fruit forest, thanks to a friend who gifted us seedlings of various species, including maples, linden, horse chestnuts, cedars, and pines.
At the same time, the gardening team became active and started developing a plan for which seeds to plant this year and where. We are also discussing various gardening system options and gathering ideas for an energy-efficient and sustainable supply for our community’s general infrastructure. The first pumpkin sprouts are ready to be transplanted, followed by spinach, onions, and various other vegetables and greens. In addition to more conventional opportunities, some members of the team are also researching new, extraordinary ideas and we are preparing to experiment with handmade solar water heaters from recycled materials.
The transition from February to March brought a time when our visions slowly expanded from the inner circle to the wider view. We had some wonderful in-person meetings and began to explore how we could communicate our enthusiasm for the “Ecovillage” project this year with the world and which events should take place on our land. We have applied for funds in the field of ecology, education and arts, as an initiative group, to support the development of our community. The events we are planning ourselves also fill us with enthusiasm and anticipation! Planning our first summer camp for children during the holiday season is particularly exciting… stay tuned, it’s going to be exciting! We’ll share more soon…
Thanks to this generous support from mostly friends, we are able to finalize the dry toilet and create simple living spaces where visitors and residents can stay in more comfortable conditions. We are grateful for any financial support through donations. You can still find all what you need therefore on our website.
Shortly before sending this newsletter, we received a horrific message from a dear member of our group, who lives with her family in Syria right now and is directly affected by the crimes taking place. In consultation with her we would like to invite you for a moment of attentiveness, in solidarity with her and all the victims. She addressed the following words to us:
“Heartbreaking news from Syria: After the much-awaited fall of the Assad dictator, the dream of freedom, justice and safety was shaken by a tragic massacre. The unlawful killing committed by unhinged militias has claimed the lives of over 1200 Syrians of the Alawite minority. This atrocity comes as an additional layer to 54 years of suffering, deepening the scars of conflict in a nation longing for peace. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and pray for Peace, Justice and Freedom for the Syrian people.”
We remain thoughtful, reverent and deeply grateful for the peace and quietness we are allowed to experience here in this place in Ninigori, while our hearts are with all those who need strength and hope right now. Our place is open to everyone who needs a place to breathe and must gather new strength.
in gratitude for your attention and interest,
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